Magic Hat, Dream Machine IPL. What’s an IPL? It’s an India Pale Lager. This one is sort of a hopped up IPA and Amber Lager combined. It is their spring brew, and has been picked as one of the best seasonal brews in the country by at least one forum. It is made with Nugget and Cascade hops, and Amarillo and Sterling dry hops. This makes it a very hoppy brew, and makes me very hoppy!

We used tonight as an accompaniment to St Louis Ribs smoked with hickory and then smothered in our Piquant BBQ sauce, and eggplant salad. Yum!

This former seasonal is now a year rounder; yeah! This is why: Dream Machine, an India Pale Lager or IPL, is a melding of varied visions of an India Pale Ale and an Amber Lager. Once poured, its light copper color delights the eyes and a citrusy hop aroma flows through the nose. Upon first sip, a smooth hop bitterness reveals itself - fresh, bold and slightly spicy - before subtle hints of mild maltiness appear. A big hop bite and a crisp, clean lager finish combine for a beautifully balanced beer.